never ending Zentiva!

[cobsie]

Not posted for a while as hoping the availability of Zentiva hydroxychloroquine would all be a ‘past’ issue. Wells pharmacy eventually fulfilled the odd tablets they owed me, after a period of about 4 weeks. At the same time my usual local pharmacy got me one box of Zentiva so I left my next prescription with them. They couldn’t get them, even tried ordering through their specials route (direct to zentiva?) and couldn’t get them. I called in yesterday after a period of 2 weeks to find one box in a bag - IPCA brand 😡 so I refused it and they are going to try again for Zentiva. I thought this nightmare was sorted? Anyone else still having issues? What does Lupus UK have to comment on this? Help required again, back to emailing Zentiva

[Gizmok9]

I’ve eventually had my backlog of Zentiva but it took boots calling head pharmacy then back to alliance several times for them to order in so hopefully sorted now 🤞

[cobsie in reply to Gizmok9]

Glad to hear it. I have owing slips dated back to May and quite expect them to say no longer valid. Take care x

[Debbie_kinsey Administrator LUPUS UK]

Hi Cobsie

Sorry to hear you're still having problems getting Zentiva. Unfortunately we don't have any further updates at the moment. Zentiva has said it is back in stock, but is taking longer in some areas for stock levels to return to normal. We are also still in the process of investigating some of the wider issues where some pharmacies are saying they can no longer order specific versions for people, but unfortunately don't have any updates on that yet. We're talking with the drug companies, pharmacies, and wholesalers to try to improve the situation, and will update whenever we have anything to share.

I hope you're able to get the medication you need soon.

Take care

Debbie

[cobsie in reply to Debbie_kinsey]

Thank you, Debbie. I really thought it might all be resolved by now. Hopefully in the next few days the pharmacy can fulfil at least part of what I am owed. One day you too might get some answers. Patients appear to be low on their priorities, no doubt with money at the top of their agenda. Take care x

[StriatedCaracara]

Today I went to local pharmacy with paper prescription for Zentiva. Room was full due to queue for covid jabs.

Lady at desk took prescription and then came back saying they only had one box.

I then asked for prescription back to go elsewhere

Another person then said I've got some they are here.

So there was a second box.📦📦🙄

[cobsie in reply to StriatedCaracara]

Really? How selective was that! We all have good and bad days and just want our meds so we can go home. Glad you got sorted this time and hopefully every time after that. Take care x

[Gardenpots]

Sorry to hear you’re having trouble with getting Zentiva prescription fulfilled. My regular pharmacy (an independent) has still not managed to get my August prescription. My surgery gave me another script which my local Boots dispensed. September I asked for a separate prescription and was down to 5 tablets before finding a large Boots branch in town who could order it for me. My local Boots told me they were unable to order. It is exhausting. Reducing medication to try and manage is not ideal. So it continues. Good luck everyone

[cobsie in reply to Gardenpots]

Doesn’t make sense does it? If a large Boots can order, so should a local be able to as it will be a central system. Glad you got yours fulfilled eventually. Take care x

[Ivonfield]

I’ve been on hydroxchoroquine for some years touch wood no problems yet

But I’m confused why can’t someone take any brand and for those who can only take one kind what happens when you can’t get them

[cobsie in reply to Ivonfield]

Speaking for myself, I have tried at least 2 other generic brands and reacted to both - upset stomach, shakes etc. so will not accept anything else now. It is down to the fillers used, namely silica, that affects some of us. No major problems before 2020 then slight delay but recently much more of an issue. I had to half my dose which is no good as tried it under medical supervision before. Fortunately got the odd box and ‘borrowed’ some of a fellow sufferer. Glad you can take any makes life simpler. I have been on hydroxychloroquine for 17 years and 7 days! Whose counting 😁

[Ivonfield in reply to cobsie]

Hi

Thanks for that

Been on it about 5years now and the same brand throughout but started injecting methatrexate a month ago but having tummy problems still trying to figure out what’s causing it metformine has also ok but been taking it for ten years just a bit worried as time goes on that they will just give the cheapest of everything already happened with losartin so don’t want to go through it again or have problems like what I’ve been reading

Tia

Ivon

[StriatedCaracara in reply to cobsie]

& 7 days

I'm impressed with your stats keeping.📝 🤩🙂

[cobsie in reply to StriatedCaracara]

I was diagnosed on the 22nd September, just happened to be my late Dad's birthday otherwise no chance!

[Poshcards in reply to cobsie]

I have been on Hydroxy for over 30 years and need Zentiva, the last 9 months have been a nightmare x

[cobsie in reply to Poshcards]

Just another level of stress none of us need. Take care x

[StriatedCaracara]

I also had issues with Vitamin D. So prescription now states Fultium. (I got another brand once and it caused indigestion - papery casing upset stomach lining. )

Also a new brand of omeprazole is doing the same so no longer take it. Supposed to protect stomach not injure it.